Renewable Officer

In UK, that is a new profession called renewable officer. The birth of this profession is due to the requirement of each development project to have at least self generating 10% renewable energy at site. The Renewable Officer will assess the installation of renewable method and evaluate its perfomance so as to ensure that compliance to planning permission is observed. This is an interesting development as emerging changes to the World has in turn revolve our thinking, way of doing things and perhaps business model. In other words, nothing is stagnant and unchanged. Everything is subjected to its relevance because of the new changes, new order in the World and of course the eminent changes of environment. Perhaps this is new challenge to many older professions such as engineers, planners, architects, surveyors, lawyers and etc. Either we evolve and embrace new demand or we are out of business.

Low Carbon Energy Planning

Renewable energy is the way forward now because of the escalating price of the fossil fuel and electricity. It is also a requirement to go green now because of the carbon emission has expediting the process of global warming. The World is exploring multiple ways of exploring the cultivation of renewable energy. For countries that consume more energy because of cooling and heating purpose or for the sake industrialisation and development purpose, non-renewable energy, if relying too much on it is definitely not a good strategy. Some cities hve resolved to make it mandatory for buildings and development projects to achieve certain percentage of renewable energy and reduce the carbon emission. For example, in UK it is a legislative requirement that all buildings have to reduce 20% of carbon emission as well as having minimum 10% of renewable energy. Many buildings have installed either solar photovoltaic, solar thermal, heating system, air heating pump system, wind turbine, wind mill or other micropower generation system. The requirement of doing so is embedded in the planning permission. It is a condition for compliance as early as design stage. The developers have to submit building plan incorporating the system and got final approval before building. The Local Authorities will check on compliance upon completion stage. However, now the question is no system or mechanisme have been set to monitor the performance after completion stage and it is not a requirement now to request periodical report from the property owners. Much need to be done now. In Petaling Jaya, the Council has imposed condition for installing rain water harvesting system, but no monitoring mechanisme has been established to monitor the performance or even to verify the existance of the system. For the sake of low carbon green city initiative of PJ, immediate action should be taken or else similar dilemma as in UK will be forthcoming to PJ.

Economic Downturn vs. Sustainable Development

We always listen to and discuss about the impact of climate change towards the Earth and human being. We talked about how global warming has melted the iceberg in North Pole and then after the rise of sea water level and the effect of CER reaching 400ppm and beyond. All these are making the World less sustainable. We talked about how to make sustainable development to be sustained further and better. But, who care especially during the economic downturn and financial turmoil crisis now! If majority of the people are adversely affected by their job, income and high inflation that making the cost of living unbearable and reducing their affordability for owning house and better lifestyle for example, certainly we cannot expect them to concentrate their energy and effort on sustainable development. However, unless the notion of achieving sustainable development is also meant to saving one’s pocket without compromising the quality of life, the aim of sustainable development will be distracted because of economic impact. This is the topic of discussion for many in the environmental cycle. The United Nations is taking the lead of initiating a discussion on the impact of global financial and economic crisis on sustainable development. What say you?

Hot Day

It was terribly hot and humid for the last few days. Walking on the street under the hot sun is basically unbearable. People said it is the negative impact of global warming, and perhaps the instant effect of carbon dixoside level reaching the 400ppm, first time in human history. Some said it signals the arrival of summer, and it is time for holiday now. What ever you want to call it, personal suffering is on the card now. As individual cannot avoid from the humidity and prefer to keep own self under the shaddy area or in the air-conditioned enclaved area. Shopping centre will see bigger crowd now, but might not be neceesary turned into higher sale volume as many might want to be there enjoying the coldness. People are lazy to go outdoor spending leisure time. All of these, in fact have impact on our living environment. For example, more energy is consumed for air-conditioned. Similarly, usage of utilities and facilities outdoor are not optimised due to lacking of users. Will this change our lifestyle? The answer is definitely YES. Do we have answer to remedy this? YES but require collective actions from all, locally and globally. Shall we do it? YES, and immediately or else today of next year will witness more serious effect on human activities.

400 ppm

If the rate of carbon emission continued, human will be facing the biggest disaster in history within 25 years. Last week carbon emission level recorded 400 ppm at Manua Loa, Hawaii for the first time in human history, a million times faster than expected. When we reach the level of 450 ppm, our iceberg at North pole will melt faster, sea level will accerelate, ecological system will be damaged and the human exsitance is in doubt as temperature will increase 2 degree celcius higher. So, what should we do? I believe many are business as usual as the environmental cost is perceived as too vogue and general. For people who can afford, paying extra for air conditioned electricity bill is a peanut. For those who cannot afford, it is the least they can afford to do but leave it to others for assistance. Unless human comes to common understanding and feel the crisis is real, I presume nothing radical will take place.

Earth Day

The Earth Day of 2013 will be celebrated worldwide on 22th April 2013. The theme of this year is The Face of Climate Change. While global warming is real and impacted everyone, many are not aware about the effect as many do not see the direct effect impacting their daily routine. Many might have taken note of the effects of climate change but decided do nothing as the changes might not be that significant yet. Individually, of course yes as individual with higher resistence power will make climate change mitigation or even adapdation plan more friendly to them. They are able to protect themselves. But, what happen to those vulnerable who cannot afford to even meet their daily end need? Collectively, everyone has equal responsibility towards climate change, but individually those posing higher capacity should do more for the Earth. The face of climate change is changing every second. Although changes are unavoidable, change for the betterment should at least be the call of the day. For changing towards a better face, at least the smiling face of human, we should do more of protecting the environment and preventing speedy change of excessive climate circumstances. Happy Earth Day

Earth Hour 2013

WWF initiated Earth Hour 2013 would see millions of people around the globe switching off the lights on 23th March, 8.30pm to 9.30pm. It is a day to raise public awareness on climate change and its impact. It is commonly acknowledged that energy sector contributing the highest carbon emission to our Earth. Hence, finding ways to reduce non renewable energy consumption is the way forward. Electricity generated from coal is major source of carbon emission as 1kwh electricity will be generating 1kg CO2 and equivalent. Reminding people to not consume electricity over and above what needed, hence is essential. The day of Earth Hour will witness many activities of dessiminating information about environmental conservation and protection. This, especially so with many businesses using this to conduct their corporate social responsibility programmes. While holding an awareness programme is commendable, using that as a gimmick to attract people coming all the way from far, some with fossil fuel driven private vehicles might not be appropriate and go against the call for prudent in energy consumption. While switching off the light for an hour is not that difficult, practicing it daily and using electricity sufficiently for basic need remains a big challenge. Do we not putting our electrical appliances on stand by mode? Can we walk to the neighbourhood shops instead of riding on a car? Can we switch off the bathroom lights after using it? We might want to replace malfunction bulbs with the energy saving or LED lamps. Can we procure 5 star energy saving appliances? If you want a vehicle for travelling and if you can afford, why not buying a hybrid or electric car? Can we adjust the temperature of air condition to 26 degrees celcious and only on it when you cannot withstand the heat or humidity? Can we have green building or retrofiting our building towards energy efficiency? Why not generating renewable energy, a feet encourages by the Sustainable Energy Development Authority of Malaysia. Happy Earth Hour 2013

World Water Day 2013

Tomorrow is the 2013 World Water Day. United Nations has designated the 2013 is UN International Year of Water Cooperation with UNESCO taking the lead. The World Water Day held 22nd March each year is a mean to focusing attention to fresh water and advocating the importance of managing fresh water resources sustainably. UNESCO has been chosen due to its significant and long standing roles and on the issue of fresh water conservation. This is timely reminder as many of us have forgotten that this God giving gift for neccessity to sustain human life has been ignored. The importance of water and its value to society has to be reminded and reinstated. For Malaysian, the average consumption of 202 liter water per person per day is much higher compared to the world average of 165 liter per person per day. We, hence become very wasteful and generous on the usage of water. The consumption pattern can be changed if we are willing to change our lifestyle, attitude and value on water usage. Have you done anything in celebrating the World Water Day? You might want to install the rain water harvesting system in your premises. Are you recycling the waste water? Are you using the glass to hold water from tap during teeth brushing time? Have you changed the toilet flushing tank to the capacity of 6 liter or below? Thankful to the Water while celebrating it.

Organic Waste Composting

The first organic waste composting centre would be operationalised in Jalan Othman Market, Petaling Jaya in a week time. The Centre with 2 tonnes capacity will handle about 40% of total organic waste generated daily from this wet market. The organic waste will be converted to compost fertiliser within 24 hours time, making it feasible and possible to be established in the urban setting with physical space constraint and negative perception on degradable waste. The partnership between the City Council of Petaling Jaya and a private firm with no financial capital outlay and requirement for daily operation and maintenance making it possible for the pilot project be implemented. The expenditure for constructing the Centre, the procurement of machine, workforce and utilities bills are to be footed by the firm. It is a private-public partnership in effective solid waste management and 3R concept in practice. By turning the waste into compost within the market compound will not only helping in solving problem of excessive waste generated at source, but also help in reducing the cost of management as well as the reduction in carbon emission. It is achieved from the production of methane gas at landfill and also fuel burn generated from lorry trips commute from PJ to landfill. At the end of the day, oeration cost of the Council will be reduced. The quote "environmental friendly can be profitable" is in practice...

Study on Sustainable Development of Malaysian Township

I attended a workshop discussing the framework and scope of a study on entrenching sustainable development in Malaysian Towns undertake by SUDI, a think tank of CETDEM last Saturday. The study will identify sustainable indicators, existing practices and issues and possible future challenges for the 4 towns in Malaysia. PJ is one of the study area. While it is an honour to have the experts to examine level of sustainability in PJ, it is also an uphill task of finding exact level of sustainability. One of the reason being lacking of data. As we always said, data collection is never a top priority for local authorities, hence getting a reliable and update information will remain a big challenge for the research team. Similarly, getting data from other agencies also might not be that easy as many might not have the centralised data bank. Even though they have, the data might be disintegrated and presented in different geographical area or unit. Perhaps, if time and resources permitted, collecting primary data is rather easy than going for the secondary data. Secondly, the research should narrow the expectation gap between different level of stakeholders. For example, while the result of study can showcase the current level of urban sustainability in Malaysia, the proposed strategies and actions should be pragmatic and workable for those on the grassroot level. This is especially so for the city managers without much exposure on the sustainability issues globally or even locally and at national level. It must not be an academic exercise. Thirdly, if comparison has to be made between the 4 towns, then profiling of existing socio-economic, political, governance, demography and environmental scenario should be compiled and examined first. It is important to prepare all study area on the same level of platform before an objective assessment can be made. The result then will be representative and able to be used for duplication or as role model. Forthly, identifying indicators that are internationally benchmarked and accepted by all stakeholders is not easy. While many international indicators to measure sub sectors of sustainable development such as green, healthy, happiness, economic growth, social impact and etc have been used in other towns and countries, finding one with international benchmark for Malaysian towns without considering the unique socio-political circumstances we have is near impossible. Thereby, setting the right direction for this study is identifying right indicators serving both international and national needs. For MBPJ, the outcome of the study will present an interesting examination on how far and how best we have done in achieving low carbon green city. It will also be a baseline data for us.

Recognition

Such a wonderful feeling in the Day of Christmas that some media labelled me as one of the top personalities in Petaling Jaya for the Year of 2012. While it is an honour for this recognition, I strongly believe that others are also deserving the recognition due to them. In my humble opinion, everyone or any action with good deed to enhance the image and quality of living in Petaling Jaya or to make this city a liveable place deserves recognition and worth for merit mentioning. I attribute this honour to all who have contributed in making Petaling Jaya a Low Carbon Green City. These include the Mayor of PJ; Deputy Mayor; Councillor Khairul, Cynthia, Terrance, Richard and Ghazali; Head of Department e.g Sharipah, Hamidah, Zuraidah, Dr Citra, Sa'diyah; others such as Nordiana, Norhaizey, Azurah, Hanizah, Shukor, Azhar, Azizah, Zainun, Tengku, Norsita, Fadzila, Nurbaiti, Ku, Hazimi, Nurfadhilah, Mahmood, Nurizan, Azni, Firdaus, Sharinaz, Norasparani; and of course last but not least the staff of OSC Unit. Not forgetting also the external stakeholders whom extending their expertise, knowledges and time. http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2012/12/25/central/12501725&sec=central

Property Assessment Rate Rebate of PJ 2012

65 out of 71 applicants for assessment rate rebate scheme in Petaling Jaya was rewarded yesterday. They got the rebate ranging from 25% to 100% for doing good towards environment. The Scheme reward house owners that have retrofiting their house with green equipment, application or procurement of green technology products. More importantly the Scheme gave much recognition to the owners for their behavioural change on environment. For example, reduce their consumption on water and electricity usage as well as practicing the recycling concept. It is an easy gesture of getting discount for the prperty tax of your house. For instance, walking for all commuting to work and leisure place. The Scheme has made it easy for all owners regardless of their social status, type of properties or availability of infrastructure.

3R: What is the priority?

3R means reduced, reused and recycled. It is the progressive steps in the effective resource utilisation and waste management. For production line, it is hope of every manufacturers to use less resources but for higher yield and quality products. Of course to have less waste by product. For consumers, of course to consume less means they will have to pay less. Going to this arguement, by right everybody will observe principle of 3R because this will save their pocket and the waste to be managed should be reduced. However, the opposite is recorded as more and more waste are produced in the factories, houses and shops. What happen then? Is that because of economic reason that higher production as demanded by market resulted in more waste as by product? Or because of many technologies used are not resource optimisation friendly? Or because the high income and higher desire in life for the consumers that many of them can afford to spend more? This question will remain to be answered as long as economic, technological and social disparity exist between the rich and poor individual or nation. So, the question of reduced might have slipped away from everyone priority. Then, comes to the reused. Many do not mind to have second hand goods from the junk shops as long as these are useable and presentable. More so, if the valuable items are sourced from antique shops and of course many do not mind to get gorgeous clothes from the film star, I presume. However, if the new items are getting cheaper, then many will not mind to change to new items instead of getting the old items for repair. For example, the electrical home appliances are so affordable now basically nobody would like to keep the old one longer than its life span. For technology savvy people of groups pursuing fashionable items, changing handphones, hand bags, watches, shoes and luxury items are common. This, of course go against the purpose of reused. For producers, reused might not be too friendly to their business core value. That's why I believe many at this functure focusing on recycling because of the agenda as discoursed above. It serves the purpose of collecting the waste and turn into the resources for manufacturing use. It serves the purpose of using the goodness of products first before disposing it. It serves the purpose of producing more. The advantages can go further and more, I believe. For an effective 3R concept to be implemented, to me it comes down, and comes down hard to every individual. It is a matter of personal preference of doing good for the environment, and of course our own pocket. The accusses of not enoungh recycling bins, too cheap the water bill, everyone can afford to fly and buy, neccesity of having this or that and etc might not hold water any more...

Green Technology Policy

The Workshop on Green Technology Policies Between Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water (KeTTHA) with Stakeholders held recently, to me is a success. Apart from the Ministry of Housing and Local Government who used to have dialogue sessions and consultation with the local authorities, very few or none at all agencies or ministries at the Federal level have engaged local government to discuss challenges and issues about national policies. Well done, KeTTHA. The Workshop enlightened the participants on policies set for helping the Country to achieve 40% pre GDP of GHG reduction by Year 2020. Strategies by sectors are also highlighted. Some Initiatives derived from energy management, waste water management, waste management were shared by implementing agencies. It was, however the sharing of action plans by repesctive State Government of Penang and Negeri Sembilan impressed me the most. It is heartening to notice that the State Governments have started the pursuing of low carbon society and green technology vigorously. Mechanisme and governance system apart from target setting are well in placed. I do hope that other State Government will do so. Having said this, the missing link identified during the Workshop was vertical communication between different level of governance is insufficient. Most of the time we witness top down policies without much input from the grassroot or users or beneficiary being implemented and might not have met the desired objective. I believe more meaningful and constructive engagement with all stakeholders must be carried out. The policies for effective implementation must be inclusive and able to create the sense of ownership for all parties.

Stage of LA 21

I was invited to talk on Post Rio+20 and The Way Forwards for Local Authorities recently. My audience was the officers from local authorities throughout Malaysia. Under the 10th Malaysia Plan, by right all local authorities have implemented the Local Agenda 21 Initiative. However, it proved me wrong as many who have attended the Talk seem not to understand or even to know about the Initiative. I am speechless to talk about Rio+20 because even Rio Earth Summit was not awared. I am not very sure is this because of apathy or too many other programmes that distract people attention and focus on LA 21. Perhaps it is time to relook and revisit the original objectives of Agenda 21 at local level and its roles in furthering sustainability for Local Government. During my recent visit to Rio+20 Summit and ICLEI World Congress in Brazil. I heard about how other local governments worldwide have eagerly pursuing sustainability and addressing challenges of climate change. So many good initiatives were shared and to be learnt. Looking at what others have done, I realised that although Petaling Jaya City Council has done numerous initiatives, much more can be and have to be done. Many Local Government showed their committment towards climate change mitigation and adapatation measures, But again here in Malaysia, many of us might not heard about the differences between mitigation and adapatation, I presume.

Rio+20 (2)

Rio+20

First time ever that I have the chance to attend A UN sponsored conference. It is the Rio+20 Conference of Sustainable Development at Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, after 20 years the first Summit was conceived in the same place. For some, it is like welcome home to examine what they have committed before and what have been achieved. For them, the gathering must be frustrated a lot since reaffirmation of things done was promised again but without date line set. For the group concerned about climate change and green economy, these are two new edition that have been given much focus by the parties of conference. For the local authorities, yet again they are put under a situation neither here nor there. Although recognised as the government closet to the people and that everyone acknowledged the need of think globally but act locally, the local autorities are not given proper treatment as they are considered ngo group, a status that even ngo would not like to accept. Although the Secretary General of UN, Mr Ban Ki Moon said this century is theera of cities, sustainable solution must be started there, until and unless mainstreaming of local authorities is done, the little efforts of local authorities will not be impactful and influencial of making a chance without recognition by national anx international protocol. The youth and indigenous people groups are equally unhappy as many of their concerns were not addresssed. Youth are concerned that the current pace of healing the environmental problems are not fast enough and commitments are very loose. They want the national government to view the problems from global perspective and do away with the nation protectionist policy. They are appealing that current policy makers be responsible for making decisions that affect them, the future generation. They demanded that they are treated as an equal partner, not a subject for engagement in planning and developing the World. The science and technical group admitted that they have not done enough to communicate with the epolicy makers and layman, even amongst themselves have done research in a silo way. More interaction and exchange focusing on climate change and sustainable development is required. With the advancement of technology and resource efficiency as the key in green growth and economy, the workers group is also concerned about their next destination and whether theh will be victimised along the process. They reckoned that we are living in two planets, one on social and environment earth and the another one is the economy world. While countries can bump in billions of dollars to rescue financial institutions which encountered hardship because of mismanagement, they do not spend much on saving biodiversity and ozone layer explain well which planet is prioritised by our world leaders. For the vulnerable, like workers, indigenous people, disabled and women adaptation rather than mitigation is perhap a better solution. For other major group under the civil society, The People Summit held concurrently clearly demonstrated their way of doing sustainability at local level is effective and more people oriented. The many appropriate technology applied at the community level is encouraging. The civil society although engaged in the dialogue has rejected the concluded document. They called for more commitment and real action. I did learn a lot from the Conference. It is a battle field for different players with their agenda. It is a forum to promote your believe and what you are fighting for. It is platform for networking and meeting new friends for alliance. It is a place all come under the name of sustainable development, but with self interest and agenda.

What I Saw Enroute to Rio + 20

I will be attending the Rio+20 Conference at Rio De Janeiro for the next two week. Perhaps should pen something interesting thing about small green but meaningful initiatives for sharing. On 11th June, while waiting to board the plane at KLIA, I visited the mini forest at the concourse area of the satellite building. It is such an enlightening experience of enjoying the fresh air, greenery and at time the sound of birds. I believe this is of the reflection the theme of the airport as Forest in the Airport. Hopefully the larger picture of having Airport Within A Forest can be realised the soonest, as promised when the idea of building new airport at Sepang was conceived. Early morning 5.30 am local time (11.30am in Malaysia) of Netherlands, I was loitering around the Amsterdam Schiphol Airport while waiting to board the plane again to Sao Paolo, Brazil at 10.05am. I cannot failed to notice the wording of "Please feed me, I am hungry” at the 3 recycling bins at all places in the airport area. I personally thought this kind of sensational message is helping to raise awareness, if not but at least inviting us to ponder about the meaning. My visit to the toilet also brought some surprise as I myself have not thought about it. We always complain about the dirtiness about top cover of the toilet bowl and most of the time it was wet. The most we might do is to rub it with toilet paper but try to forget about the dirtiness for the time being. But over here in the airport, a cleaning liquid dispenser is installed for you to clean it first. While we might not convince how clean and hygiene it is, but at least it erases our perception about how dirty it is. I am of the opinion that these small gestures is reachable, achievable and do able, it is only matter of observance and sensitive we are towards surrounding happenings and daily routine. If we care, we will definitely able to find a solution.

World Environment Day

With the turn of local events for past week, I have almost forgotten about the arrival of the World Environment Day today. Only recollect after yesterday launching of Assessment Rebate Scheme for environmental friendly house owners for Petaling Jaya and organiser of a seminar for requesting my paper to be presented today. The theme for this year celebration is focusing on "Green Economy" and what to do with us. During the agro society time, people planted vegetables feed animal for self consumption. They will give away excessive produce to neighbour in exchange of other services. Later with the industrialisation revolution, people venture into non agriculture sector have to buy food items. This change of event created new dimension in economy. Of course, the initially "green" produces were reinvented and all type of products, environmental friendly or not are offered in market. I presume only after realising that environment quality is degrading and current economic model is not helping us much on restoring what we used to enjoy, that people arre looking at green economy. I presume this is call of going back to the basic, the agro time producing sufficient for own self and consume for biological need. Green economy is closer to every individual. It is a way of money saving. For exame consume less energy and water by changing our way of life can save us few cents. Eating vegetables planted from the pot at our backyard can be an answer to the high cost of green from market. Walking to the neighbourhood shops instead of driving will not only reduce fuel cost but gjve us an opportunity for exercises. The list is endless. It is only a matter of our choice. Even rejecting the not so green products is a way of saying YES we support green economy. However some concerned about manipulation by businesses and at the end of the day it turns out to be a marketing gimmick. While many might not be able to choose and demarcate the very green products, it is duty of authority to educate and regulate so that people might not have felt shortchange. Happy World Environment Day 5th June.

Green Developer

I attended a meeting discussing the implementation of low carbon cities in Malaysia last week. It was an enlightening experience with the chances of hearing what others have done and also sharing of knowledge and opinion with others on the way forward. One of the particular people impressed me the most must be a young developer with plenty of ideas and actions of going green in his development projects. More than often we hear others of wanting to do it but might not have even started it, but Sam Tan of Ken Property Holding Bhd has so much showcases and good green practices to share. He reckoned that how extra steps and effort have to be taken for enduring green route. His maiden trial was converting an abandoned office project into a service apartment in Bangsar area. The green beginning did not stop there but continue with other development projects having green facade and elements. The green building is not mere compliance of minimum guidelines for being accredited, but a lot of innovation and creative design are incorporated. For example, designing a pathway for flow of natural ventilation in order to reduce capture of hot air and locating space for optimisation in natural lighting are some of the example. Of course, the design has eaten into the bottom line of profit margin. This however does not prevent them to experience with new green ideas and design. Their good gesture was paid back with overwhelming response from the buyers who do not mind to pay extra for getting a green home. After all, in long run, the house buyers are able to save from the green gestures. For example, the pre-installed rain water harvesting tanks will help reduce the water bill. This has obviously brought in new dimension to the property development and construction sector. I wish to have more property developers with such "green and low carbon" features in mind come on board.